The project isn’t without detractors. Some worry about storms damaging the turbines. Others wonder whether the foundation can actually break ice. The project is getting international scrutiny, too. Environmental groups in Spain and the United Kingdom recently condemned it.

A provision of the bill concerns wind power — currently Ohio’s largest source of renewable energy — and, more specifically, the “setback” distance between new turbines and adjacent private property. Prior to the law, a minimum 1,125-foot setback was required between new turbines and the nearest habitable structure. The provision in question moves the start of that setback from the nearest habitable structure to the nearest property line.

The Shepherds were among dozens of landowners and activists who filled Veterans Hall at the Hardin County Courthouse to voice their opinions on the potential impact of the planned development. Their concerns included noise issues, potential physical dangers, the economic viability of the project, impact on wildlife, expected declines in property values among other general quality of life issues.

Some people look at a wind turbine and get a rush of adrenalin, a sense of patriotism running through their bones because they view it as another step toward energy independence. Others look at that same turbine and roll their eyes in disgust. They see the giant machine as visual clutter in the countryside ...How many wind turbines does it take before the former set of people start to agree with the latter?

While many in the area embraced the new green wind power it's "honeymoon over" for Hoaglin township trustees Wayne Kemler and Milo Schaffner. Kemler and Schaffner want Iberdrola Renewables to pick up the tab to pave 3 and a half miles of Hoaglin township roads that they say weren't properly repaired.

The Lake Erie Business Park, which sits near Camp Perry and in the same lakeshore strip that holds numerous eagle nests, has been considering wind power projects for several years ...but there are much better places to locate the projects than the western Lake Erie shoreline, a magnet for migratory birds, waterfowl, and bald eagles. "You don't go to the worst site first," he said.

"The role we've been involved in is the wildlife effects in this region," said Mark Shieldcastle, research director for the Black Swamp Bird Observatory in Carroll Township. He called land within three miles of the Lake Erie shore in Ottawa County some of the richest concentration sites of migratory birds in the nation.

"That project has been delayed because the turbines were to be constructed there on Wick Avenue, north of Melnick Hall. And since that is actually a historic district, there needs to be an assessment made regarding the impact that the placement of those turbines will have on that area in terms of line of sight" and other factors.

We must all become informed about life with wind turbines. In phase one, the Black Fork Wind Farm will have 112 wind turbines that are more than 400-feet tall with 159-foot blades and red strobe lights that blink on and off all night long. The wind turbines, at times, may create upward to 70 decibels of noise. The EPA says 45 decibels disturbs sleep.

There is a large wind turbine project called Black Fork Wind Farm that consists of 112 turbines 400 feet tall with three 100-foot blades to be placed in an area bounded by the west edge of Shelby on the east, Hazelbrush Road to the north, Hook Road to the south towards Crestline and extending on the west past Tiro towards New Washington. This is a beautiful rural area including Shelby Airport and a KOA campground that will be transformed into an industrial installation.

The local Lake Erie marshes have long been recognized internationally as some of the best places to see a variety of birds, from migratory warblers to bald eagles. And more recently, developers have recognized the area as one of the best in the state for wind and view it as a prime spot to build turbines. ...Petrie encourages people to question wind projects in their area to make sure they are located in places that make the most sense.

Inconsistency with regulating wind turbines doesn't end with zoning. The county Building Department requires construction plans certified by an Ohio engineer before it issues a permit; Canton doesn't. The county's requirement could add another $5,000 in expenses because most wind turbines are shipped from outside Ohio or the country and do not contain plans certified by an Ohio engineer. "I don't want to stop anybody from building what they want, but it's my obligation under law to enforce the requirements of the code," said Stark Building Official Ed Stetz. He said wind turbines exceed residential standards so they must be regulated by the Ohio commercial building codes that require a professional designer's seal.

OHIO — The village of Ohio TIF and building committee recommended at its regular meeting Tuesday night that mayor Charlie Thomas set up a meeting with representatives of Midwest Wind Energy to discuss how far wind turbines can be erected from the village limits.

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